Electromagnetic induction welding of fluid distribution systems

Abstract

Installation fittings for use with induction weldable pipe connectors for assembling multi-layer pipe fluid distribution systems. Induction welding pipe connectors including a major central pipe connector section and a minor lateral pipe connector section pair having reduced thickness relative to the major central pipe connector section. Induction welding pipe connectors with 5 integral solder flow barrier for assembling fluid distribution systems. Electromagnetic induction coil reverse action pliers for use with induction weldable pipe connectors for assembling fluid distribution systems.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to electromagnetic induction welding of fluid distribution systems for the transport of fluids in residential, commercial and industrial plumbing systems.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Commonly owned WIPO International Publication No. WO 2012 / 137197 entitled Electromagnetic Induction Welding of Plastic Pipe Distribution Systems discloses induction weldable pipe connectors and electromagnetic induction coil assemblies for use in clamping the induction weldable pipe connector on plastic pipes. The plastic pipes can be made from thermoplastics including inter alia PVC, PP, PP-R, HDPE and the like, and thermosetting plastics including inter alia PEX, and the like. The plastic pipes can have can be fabricated from a single plastic material throughout or alternatively have a multi-layer composition.[0003]The induction weldable pipe connectors each have at least one induction weldable pipe socket. Each induction weldable pipe socket inclu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about improving the welding of pipe connectors in fluid distribution systems. It introduces a new design with an integral solder flow barrier that helps control the flow of melted solder during the welding process. This results in a more precise and reliable weld. The design can be used for both thermoplastic and plastic pipes, and it is particularly useful for multi-layer pipes with aluminium core layers to prevent oxidation and failure. The use of an integral solder flow barrier helps ensure a better quality weld and reduces the amount of material needed for the weld.

Problems solved by technology

Induction welding of an induction weldable pipe connector and a thermoplastic pipe can transfer inadvertently excessive heat energy to a pipe end thereby introducing an undesirable measure of uncertainty in an induction welding operation.

Such inadvertent excessive heat energy can lead to undesirable internal plastic deformations of a pipe end which may be undetectable to construction personnel assembling a fluid distribution system.

Such internal plastic deformations can cause disruptions in fluid flow through a fluid distribution system at an induction weldable pipe connector.

“Press fit” installation fittings are relatively expensive and construction personnel require a considerable range of “press fit” installation fittings to complete a multi-layer pipe fluid distribution system.

Images